Bed frame



R. A. NOWELL Aug. 11, 1953 BED FRAME 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 3,1950 Aug. 11, 1953 R. A. NOWELL BED FRAME 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April3, 1950 1953 R. A. NOWEL L 2,648,073

BED FRAME Filed April 3, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Aug. 11, 1953BED FRAME.

Richard A. Nowell, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor, by mesne assignments,to Metalcraft 00., Los Angeles, Calif., a copartnership ApplicationApril 3, 1950, Serial No. 153,561

17 Claims. (Cl. -285) This invention relates to a bed frame and moreparticularly pertains to a bed frame of the knock-down or collapsibletype comprising side rails and end rails formed of metal bars.

An object of the invention is to provide a bed frame of the abovecharacter which is adapted to be easily and quickly assembled anddisassembled and when disassembled may be arranged into a compactpackage which will occupy but little space in storage or shipment andwhich may be readily handled and transported.

A particular object of the invention is to provide a construction in abed frame whereby the ordinary bed-caster assembly may be utilized as ameans for effecting an interlocking connection between the side railsand end rails of the bed frame to hold the frame in its assembledposition and to equip the frame with caster supports and whereby onremoving the casters the bed frame may be readily disassembled.

With the foregoing objects in view, together with such other objects andadvantages as may subsequently appear, the invention resides in theparts and in the combination, construction and arrangement of partshereinafter described and claimed, and illustrated by way of example inthe accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the bed frame in its assembled position.

Fig. 2 is a view in cross section and elevation as seen on the line 2-2of Fig. 1. I

Fig. 3 is a detail in horizontal section taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a detail in horizontal section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig.2.

Fig. 5 is a view in elevation of a side rail of the bed frame as seenfrom the inner side thereof.

Fig. 16 is a plan view of one end portion of the bed frame shown in Fig.15 in its extended position.

Fig. 17 is a view in section and elevation taken on the line of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged section and elevation as seen on the line |8|8 ofFig. 16, and

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an end portion of a side and end railshowing the parts inverted and in a folded or disassembled position.

Referring to the drawings more specifically, reference now being had toFigures 1 to 14 thereof, A-A indicate a pair of side rails and BBdesignate a pair of end rails of a bed frame, which rails are formed ofmetallic bars here shown as of L-cross section.

The side rails AA are each provided adjacent the ends thereof with metalbrackets C-C which are securely fixed to the rails to depend therefrom.As here shown each of the brackets C embodies a fiat web 20 formed atopposed inner and outer ends thereof with inturned flanges 2| and 22.The inner flange 2| abuts the underside of the side rail A and isfastened thereto in conventional fashion with the Web 20 extendingparallel with the side rail adjacent to the outer margin thereof. Theouter flange 22 serves as a portion of a connection for an end of one ofthe end rails B, and is formed with an aperture 23 to receive thetubular socket member 24 of a conventional caster D which is Fig. 6 isan enlarged section taken on the line 26 beingspaced apart and alignedperpendicular 66 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a view in elevation of one of the end rails of the bed frame.I

Fig. 8 is an enlarged section and elevation as seen on the line 8-8 ofFig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an elevational view of a conventional caster wheel assemblyemployed as a connector between the side and end rails of the bed frame.

Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13 are perspective views of inverted fragmentaryportions of a side and end rail depicting the manner of effecting theirassemblage.

Fig. 14 is a detail in section taken on the line ||4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 15 is a plan view of a foldable bed frame to which a feature of theinvention is applicable, showing the frame in a partly collapsedposition.

' 26 spaced from the flange 22.

also engageable with the end portion of theend rail B supported abovethe flange 22 as will be later described.

The web 20 of each of the brackets C is fitted with a pair of headedstuds 25 and 26 which project from the inner face of the web medially ofthe side marginsthereof; the studs 25 and to the flanges 2| and 22 withthe upper, stud 25 spaced from the flange 2| and the lower stud Thestuds 25 and 26 serve as a means for detachable interlocking stud 26affording a supporting connection between the bracket 0 and the railend.

Each of the end rails B is formed with upturned end portions 21 and 28embodying a flange 29 formed at the upper end thereof with a notch 30engageable with one of the studs 25 and formed on a margin thereofintermediate its ends with a notch 3| engageable with the companion stud26. Each end portion of each end rail B is formed adjacent the base ofthe flange 29 with an aperture 32 arranged to register with the aperture23 in the flange 22 when the end of the rail B is positioned above thelatter; the aperture 32 being adapted to receive the socket member 24 ofthe caster D as particularly shown in Fig. 14.

In assembling the bed frame the side rails AA are arranged in suitablespaced parallel relation to each other in an inverted position,

whereupon the end rails are connected thereto in the manner illustratedin Figs. 10 to 13 inclusive;

the end rails B being initially positioned with; the end portionsthereof laying sideways upon the then upwardly presented flange 2|, as

shown in Fig. 10, with the notch jp on-the end i of the flange 29presented tothe stud 25 and with the notch 3| in the flange 29extendedne upwardly. The end rail B is thenadvanced on.

the flange 2| in the direction indicated by the arrow a in Fig. 10, tobring the end notch -30-,

into engagement with the stud 25, whereupon, utilizinglthe stud 25 as apivot the end rail is adapted to receive and snugly conform to thesocket member 24 of a caster D.

Pivotally mounted on the outer end portions of the side rails E i-bypivot pins 42 are inclined brackets .G the outer-end portions of whichare adapted to overlie the outer ends of the tube f ,40 when, theendrails F are disposed in their extendedposition as shown in Figs. 16and 17.

ugThe brackets G will then extend inwardly and swung upwardly in thedirectionlindieated-by the 1 3 arrow 6 in Fig. 11 to advance thesideno'tchjl in the flange 29 into engagementwith the stud I 26 as shownin Fig. '12 The apertures\ 3 2 in the end portion of the end railsBfwill thenbe disposed'inregi'sterwith the apertures 23 in .theflanges22 whereupon the socket members, of the casters'Dare insertedthroughthe apertures 23 and 32 as indicated in Figs lZ'and 13 thusvlocking the endsofthe end railsB in engagementiwithIthe flange22 which,with the interlocking engagement afforded by theheaded studs 25 and 26with the flanges 29,1effects a strong and substantial interconnectionbetween the ends.

of theend railsB -B and the side railsA- -A through the brackets C. Y

In order that the eonnectionbetween the ends 7 of the end rails l 3. -Band'the bracket Cbe such 7 as to. obviate lost 7 motion in theconnection,. the heads of the-studs 25 and 25 have their innerfacess'paced from thecont'iguous faces of the web 2d a distancecorresponding to the thickness of the flange v29 and are adaptedtovoverlierthe margins. of the notches 30 and 3| so as to clamp theouter, faces. of the flanges 29 tightly against the webs' 20 ofthefbrackets LC; ll ikewise the apertures23 and 32 are,,dimensioned toeifect ia snug fit with the socketmmber24 ofthecaster D su'chjas toprevent lost motioninthis con-. motion and at thes'a'me timeaffordwgripp ng en- H gagernent vwith the member .24 solas to hold thecaster in: place on inverting the bed frame, andshown in Figs. l and 2.When the assembled by the engagement betweenlthe end railsand thecaster'fsocket members Manifestly when the bed frameis disasse n of saidside rails and haying'an inturned flange on the ow e d h r of. IQ medwith a caster.

bled the side, rails A VAa nd end rails with members-'removably insertedin the registering disposing it in its normal upright zppgitiqn'asapertures to connect the end rails to the side the several casters Dmayf be assembled in. a

compact package as by wiring them together in i a bundle.

in a collapsible bed frame structure E-..E representsthe side rails ofthe bed'frame which are.

connected together byj collapsible endlrails which latter comprisefoldable end, membersl 35 j and 36 having their 'outer ends connected bypiv ots 31 to'the side rails E -Eat pointsjspaced in downwardly indiagonal relation to the side rails E-E. Apertures 43 are formed in theouter end portiqns'of the brackets G to registervwith the apertures, inthe tube-4|],so that socket members 24, of-thecaster may be passedthrough i the aperture and extend into the aperture 4| toefiectdnterconnection between the bracket; G:-' and the-tube 4|] therebylocking the foldable, end

rails F in their =extendedpositions.

When it. is desired .to collapse the bed frame just described the.casters ;D are removed: where-: upon the end rails Fxmay be folded.;tooverlie the side railsE together with the brackets iG which may likewisebe swung on thevpivots 42 to;- extend parallel with theside'rails-E asshown in Fig. -19.

formation and arrangement as come within-the purview of the-appendedclaims.

1. ma bedframe, side rails, depending brackets fixed'on said side rails,end flanges on said 'bracketseach having a caster receiving apertures.

therein, end rails supported by said brackets and having end portionsoverlying said ,end

flanges and formed with apertures disposed to register with the bracketapertures when theflend.

rails are positioned with their end portionsoverlying the end flanges,"and casters having socket rails;

with-headed studs on said brackets and end flanges on said end-railshaving notches engaged, with said headed studs in connecting said endrails and side rails when forming a .bed frame.

31 A bed frame comprising a pair of sidelrails, a depending bracketonand adjacent each end,

receiving; aperture, a pair of vertically spaced l headed studs .on theinner face of ,each of said brackets spacedabove said flange, a pair ofend rails having end portions formedwith apertures,. Y said end railsbeing. arranged longitudinally be-. tween said side rails with theapertures therel-a in registerin with the apertures in certain oi.- saidflanges, casters having socket (members 116- we movably engaged'withtheregistered-apertures in 1 saidflanges vand end. rails to detachablyfasten; the endrailsrto said flanges, and endflangesiom :1

' 2. The structure called for in claim 1 together said end rails formedwith notches engaging the bracket carried on said rail having aninturned lower ,end portion formed with an aperture adapted to receive acaster, a headed stud on said bracket projecting over said apertured endportion and spaced therefrom, an end rail having an end flange formedwith a notch engaged with said stud and formed with an aperture adjacentto the base of said flange registering with the aperture in said bracketwhen said notch and stud are engaged, and a caster having a socketmember engaged with said apertures to hold the notch and stud ininterengagement,

5. In a bed frame, a side rail, a depending bracket embodying a web andparallel end flanges having one of said end flanges. aflixed to theunderside of said side rail,- the other of said end flanges being formedwith a caster receiving aperture, a headed stud projecting from said webbetween said end flanges, an end rail having an end portion adjacentsaid apertured end flange formed with an aperture registering-with theend flange aperture and having a notch slidably engaged with said headedstud, and a caster having -a socket member removably inserted in saidregistering apertures. g a

6. In a bed frame, aside rail, a depending bracket thereon having aninturned lower flange formed with a caster receiving aperture, a headedstud projecting from said bracket above said flange, an end rail havingan end portion, an end flange on said end portion of said end railformed with a notch in the outer end thereof slidably engaged with saidheaded stud to form a pivotal connection between said bracket and endflange on which said end rail is turnable to position the end portion ofthe end rail over the aperture in the lower flange of the bracket; saidend portion of the end rail being formed with an aperture arranged inregistry with the first named aperture, and a caster having a socketmember inserted in the registered apertures.

7. In a bed frame, a pair of side rails, a depending bracket mountedadjacent each end of each of said side rails, a pair of end railsshiftably supported by opposed ones of said brackets and adapted to beso arranged relative to said side rails as to cooperate therewith toform a bed frame, and a caster socket member detachably connecting eachend of each of said end rails to certain of said brackets, said bracketsand end rails having alignable communicating seats receiving said castersocket members.

8. A bed frame comprising a pair of spaced parallel side rails, adepending bracket on each end portion of each of said side rails, alower end flange on each of said brackets having a caster receivingaperture therein, a caster socket member snugly but removably receivedin the aperture of each of said flanges, and a pair of end railsextending longitudinally between the end portions of the side rails, andsaid end rails detachably connected at each end thereof to one of thesocket members.

9. A bed frame comprising a pair of spaced parallel side rails, a pairof end rails, means shiftably connecting the end rails to the side railsto form a bed frame; the end rails having opposed end portions each ofwhich is arranged adjacent one of the side rails, and each of which isformed with a caster receiving opening, a bracket on and adjacent toeach end of each 6 of said side rails arranged for cooperation with anadjacent end of one of the end rails, a flange on each of said bracketsformed with a caster receiving aperture, the ends of said ,end railsbeing disposed with the apertures therein in register with the aperturesin flanges of opposed brackets on the pair of side rails when the sideandend rails are in their bed frame forming position, and a series ofcasters each having a socket member; there being a caster for each endof each of said end rails arranged with its socket member inserted inthe aperture in the end portion of the end rails and in the apertureregistered therewith of the adjacent flangeto connect the side rails andend rails together against shifting.

10. The. structure called for in claim 11 and wherein the meansshiftably connecting the end rails to the side rails comprising headedstuds on said brackets and end flanges on said end rails having notchesengaged with said headed studs; said caster socket members releasablylocking the end flanges of said end rails in engagement with said headedstuds. 7 g

11'. In a knock down bed frame, a pair of side rails and a, pair of endrails, said end rails being adapted to be so arranged with respect tothe siderails as to cooperate therewith to form a bed frame, meanscarried by one pair of, rails and shiftably supporting the other pair,said side rails and said end rails each having an aperture adjacent eachend thereof; the apertures on the side rails being disposed to registerwith the apertures on the end rails when the rails are arranged to forma rectangular bed frame to form cooperating caster receiving aperturesat each corner of the frame, and a caster having a bearing shank portionremovably positionable in said cooperating apertures.

12. A knock down bed frame comprising a pair of side rails, a pair ofend rails for assemblage with the pair of side rails to form a bedframe, a pair of depending brackets mounted on each of said side railswith one of the brackets of a pair thereof disposed adjacent one end ofa side rail and the other bracket of the pair disposed adjacent theother end thereof with the pair of brackets on one of the side railsarranged to oppose the pair of brackets on the other side rail when saidside rails are positioned in spaced parallel relation for assemblage ina bed frame, an end flange on each of said brackets formed with anaperture, a pair of headed studs on each of said brackets extending oversaid flange in spaced relation thereto and to each other, an upstandingend flange on each end of each of said end rails having side notchesdetachably engaging with the pair of headed studs on one of saidbrackets in assembling the bed frame, each of said end rails having anaperture formed adjacent each end thereof arranged to register with theaperture in the flange of a bracket with which an end flange of the endrails is engaged when assembling the bed frame for the reception of acaster socket member when an end of an end rail is connected to an endof a side rail, and a caster having a bearing shank portion removablypositionable in said registering apertures.

13. In a bed frame, a pair of side rails, a pair of end rails soarranged with respect to the side rails as to cooperate therewith toform a bed frame, said end rails being formed adjacent each end thereofwith an aperture, depending brackets on the side rails for connectionwith the ends of the end rails, means for detachably connecting Afbheendsfot; the end: rails to S'aid bIacketSFsI-id -brackets eachhaving ahorizontal member jammed with an: aperture with which an aper- :tureataonez end-of :an end 'rail re'gisters'in superirlposed relationsw-hensuch =end is connected to theibracket; ancLcaster; socket zmembersa1sonoon- :necting the ends'iof xhe endrailsito thabra'ckets rwithrwhichtheyrare connected; said socket memwzbersxbeing;received;inzthe:registered: apertures. .;=14.':In aabed frameincluding side-rails and :end

t rails for.- arrangement relative ".to: I each otherz-to dorm abed-frame; brackets .on: the: side-rai1s;-'ea.ch cbracket shaving ranraperture therein, a caster =member removably dmsertable in "theaperture :of :each .=o said zbraxzkets said-end rails" each having anaperture adjacent each end thereof-arranged do register with a bracketaperture and to receive the caster: 'meinber when inserte d= in the'latter.

15. In a bed frame including separable-'- side *ruils and 1 end rails for arrangement relative to -ea'ch other' to form al-bed frame;bracketson'said I side-rails each having a-1ower endporbionformed withanaperture;- each end portion ofthvend rails having an aperture inregister with an-aper- 4 ture in-a 'bracket-end' portion wherr'the'sideand -end-raiisare-in their-bed frame forming position,and-casters-detachab1y connecting the ends' ofthe 'end' rails: tosaidbrackets; said casters ea'ch 'em- -b0dying a; socket members removably'"inserted in 8 registered apertures of one'end'bortion 01 an end railand of one of thebrackets to'dock themide aand-endrailsio ether.

"16. 'In:-a'=- bed frame,- aa side rail; an-end rail; =9.

5 i-depen'ding bracket on :saidmide -rai1 having a waster memberreceivingeaperture-,- said -end-wail havings a caster-2 member:engagingumeans posilotionedito align with 'the bracket Laperbure aaca'sterz-wmember engageable with -said aperture :qguandxengagingmednsmo connect said rails W0- 5' gether,:a.nd='end: railsustainingameansat :leasMn rpartacarried-bysai'dxbracket.

1:17; lnaa bed frame, a side x'a'il'gdanr end-;rai1,-.a edepending:brackehzon oneaotwsaldwadls 'ha'vmgua @4 5 castermemben-receivinaapermrex hhezothersrail xhavingza caster: memberengaging means'aligned with 'sa1drapexture',*=a; caster ;-memberextending i'throughsaidraperture into engagement with sa'id engaging 1:means :connecting' said -railsctogether,

x 1 s and supportingmeans I or sald second rail-zat' leastaimpartprovidedby'said bracket.

JYRICHARD' AL'NOWELL.

References Citedjnthefile or this patent

